'Cutting edge' tech for older people given grants

Three Jersey projects aiming to use "cutting edge technology" to improve the lives of older people have been awarded grants.

The three projects were picked from the CareTech Challenge, which was launched with up to £2m of government money for innovators with ideas for long-term high-quality care.

The scheme is run by Digital Jersey, which is awarding up to £20m over three years to schemes using technology to help "solve the island's biggest problems".

Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Development, said the projects would help "make a real difference as part of our long-term healthcare strategy".

He said Jersey faces the challenge of a predicted 30% increase in the number of over 65s in the next 15 years.

Judges picked the Orchid Connect hybrid care service which uses tools, including sensors detecting changes in the environment, to help people live independently for longer so families can react before problems build up.

Another grant was awarded to island-based Lifestyle Medicine's the Hero of Health Jersey app which connects users to local services, online resources and in-person coaching.

The company said the funding means it can roll the app out across the island, starting with GP surgeries, Jersey General Hospital and voluntary services.

The third innovation to receive funding is the Good Boost project which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create personalised rehabilitation and preventative exercise programmes.

It plans to create a network of rehabilitation hubs in community spaces across Jersey.

Digital Jersey's CEO Tony Moretta said the projects "bring leading minds together to implement tech-driven solutions that can improve the lives of islanders".

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